ABERDEEN might be smarting from the loss to Motherwell that side-tracked their revival – but Peter Pawlett admits the defeat by Ross County is the worst of their campaign.

The Staggies stunned their north rivals with a single goal victory in Dingwall yet have taken just a solitary point from the eight games that followed to spiral into the play-off place.

Despite County’s dire form the Dons attacker insists the second-bottom side still pose a threat to their ambitions tomorrow because their last win on the road was at Pittodrie in February.

Pawlett said: “The fact we lost to Ross County earlier in the season is definitely a warning. We went up there maybe not in the best frame of mind and certainly not at our best.

“We didn’t perform to our potential and were beaten so that’s a wake-up call and gets us ready for this game. We won’t be taking anything for granted.

“It was one of the most disappointing results of the season and going home on the bus afterwards was terrible. Hopefully we’ll put it right.

“It’s surprising Ross County haven’t won in eight games because they are a difficult team to play against.

“They are very organised and their players are always willing to get about opponents and stop them playing.

“It’s tough to find space against them. I’m sure they’ll turn around their form but hopefully that won’t happen against us.”

Since Derek McInnes converted him from a winger to a central attacking role this season Pawlett has finally realised his potential.

And the 22-year-old said: “The difference in my form is due to getting a consistent run of games.

“The manager gave me the opportunity to prove myself and I think I’ve done all right. The aim now is to continue progressing and keep scoring goals.

“I’m really grateful to the boss for giving me this chance. I was in the last year of my contract and knew I had to push on which I did to earn a new deal.

“He could have held off before making a decision but instead gave me the feeling I was wanted which I didn’t have in the last few seasons.

“Now I have that and the confidence he’s given me is unbelievable. I never thought I was on my way out. I always felt given the opportunity I could make it.

“But moving on loan to St Johnstone last season came at the right time. Playing regularly gave me my belief back and was good for my career.

“You lose focus when you’re always on the bench or getting 10 minutes game time here and there. Now I believe I’ll be in the team which is a great feeling.”

Although the 1-0 defeat by Well dealt a blow to their challenge Pawlett is certain no lasting damage has been done. And he said: “Second place in the league is definitely still achievable.

“But we must maintain the form we’ve shown so far and continue to win games. All the lads think we can achieve something this season.

“We also have two semi-finals to look forward to. The Scottish Cup tie against Celtic will be tough but we can do something against St Johnstone in the League Cup. But at this stage we’re only concentrating on our next game.

“Dundee United will be our biggest challengers for second place in the league. You see how Ryan Gauld is performing and it will be the hardest game for us defensively but our defence havw been in great shape.

“I know Stuart Armstrong from the Scotland Under-21s and he’s a very good player. I also met him earlier when he was with Dyce BC and trained here without being signed.

“Inverness will be there or thereabout as they are well organised and can grind out results while Motherwell will also be in the shake-up.”

Jonny Hayes won man-of-the-match honours for his display as a stand-in left-back but couldn’t celebrate because of a glaring miss with a diving header.

The Dons winger said: “If I’d scored I’m sure the game would have turned out differently.

“It was a great cross from Niall McGinn and I don’t know how I missed it.

“But games are coming up thick and fast so there is no time to feel sorry for ourselves.

“And the task now is to show we can do much better than this against Ross County.”